I know all too well how annoying and painful muscular imbalances (when one muscle basically overpowers and strong arms another) can be. Nearly every major muscle in your body has a corresponding muscle group that carries out the opposite function–I call them “sister muscles.”

When two sisters/muscles work together properly the result is outstanding. So lets identify those weaknesses so you can get back balanced and strong from head to toe. Here are the main sister pairs to know and how to make them a true dynamic duo.

1. How You Got Out Of Whack In The First Place

Everyday habits have a way of tricking our bodies into abnormalities that ultimately represent themselves as pain. The number one complaint that most of my clients have when they start training with me is, “I have a bad back.” However after a proper assessment and multiple sweat fests together they realize what I already knew all along: their back was fine once their core came to the party. So how does this apply to you?

Sitting at your desk for ungodly hours a day, repetitive workouts (that same spin class you have been taking 5 day a week for 3 years), and even your shoe addiction (those skyscraper heels) all threaten the natural/sister partnership of your muscles. And like any team, when there’s a weak link, others have to compensate.

2. Why You Ought To Take Back Your Alignment

Muscular imbalance are not only painful and annoying, but they are also aesthetically unpleasing. Harsh but true. Muscular imbalances often lead to poor posture and poor posture can wreak havoc on your figure Miss. Here’s the deal. For instance, tight hip flexors can tilt your hips forward and give the look of a stomach pooch. Also, in addition to this muscular imbalances are like bullies. When one muscle gets out of whack and off track it often times ends up recruiting other muscles too. So if not corrected, that pain in your back can easily morph into pain in the shoulder, knee or even shin.